Okinawa Island

Travel Guide
Okinawa featuring caving, interior views and caves
Recharge on stunning white beaches, walk around historic castles and visit one of the world’s largest aquariums on this tropical island in the south of Japan.

Okinawa is a rare tropical paradise that mixes a beach-going culture with a preservation of the past. Try exciting watersport, tan on white-sand beaches, watch whale sharks gliding in an aquarium or visit a castle that once protected the archipelago’s rulers. 

Okinawa is the main island of the Okinawa Prefecture, an archipelago of 160 islands south of mainland Japan. Its main access point is Naha, a busy urban sprawl that also serves as the region’s capital. Find shopping, food and crowds along Kokusai-Dori, Naha’s main street. While here, taste Okinawan soba, a soup-noodle dish famous to the area. 

Not far from town, the hilltop Shuri Castle reminds visitors of the island’s ancient history. Take a short drive south from Naha to the Peace Memorial Park, where monuments pay tribute to the quarter of a million American and Japanese civilians and soldiers who died here in World War II. It was one of the Pacific’s most fierce battles.  

To the north, the Ocean Expo Park gives visitors the chance to learn about the archipelago’s marine life. See whale sharks cruising alongside tropical fish at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, home to one of the world’s biggest fish tanks. Nearby attractions such as a re-creation of a 17th-century Okinawan village and a botanical garden boasting more than 2,000 orchids make northern Okinawa a satisfying daytrip destination. 

The island features miles of popular and less-crowded beaches that are a great to visit throughout summer. The best swimming months are between April and October. Scuba dive amongst rock formations at Mission Beach or enjoy views from the lighthouse at Cape Zanpa.

Not far from the coast, walk to the Hiji Waterfall or traverse stunning pineapple fields in Nago Pineapple Park. Follow subterranean streams of photograph stalactites at Gyokusendo Cave.

Fly into Reach Okinawa’s Naha Airport from Japan or China. Get around the city by bus. Alternatively, rent a car (or moped) to travel further afield. Tours can be booked through Naha’s travel agencies. 

Where to stay in Okinawa Island

Okinawa showing rainforest and a cascade

Naha City Centre

4.5/5(302 area reviews)

The parks and historic sites are just a few things visitors like about Naha City Centre. Kokusai Dori and Tomari Port are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Miebashi Station or Kenchomae Station to get around the larger area.

Naha City Centre
Tsuboya Pottery Museum showing street scenes and a small town or village

Makishi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Makishi is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Kokusai Dori and Makishi Public Market.

Makishi
Mihama American Village featuring shopping

Mihama

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Mihama, American Village and Sunset Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Mihama
Okinawa ocean is always bright and clear. Locals say you can see 5 different shades of blue in the ocean on the best days!
#LifeAtExpedia #beach

Kumoji

Kumoji is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Kokusai Dori and Palette Kumoji, and you can get around town on the metro at Kenchomae Station.

Kumoji
Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum

Omoromachi

Travelers like the museums in Omoromachi, and Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Omoromachi
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Asato

While you're in Asato, take in top sights like Kokusai Dori and jump on the metro at Asato Station to see more of the city.

Asato
Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
4 out of 5
1496 Tancha, Kunigami, Onna, Okinawa-ken
The price is NT$2,699 per night from Apr 18 to Apr 19
NT$2,699
per night
Apr 18 - Apr 19
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Lovely beachfront hotel, facilities abit dated with limited dining options. Friendly staff with limited spoken English. Overall still a pleasant experience!"

Reviewed on 2023/12/19

Rizzan Sea Park Hotel Tancha Bay
Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa
5 out of 5
1967-1 Nakama, Onna, Okinawa Prefecture
The price is NT$12,446 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$12,446
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,567 reviews)
Perfect hotel
"Perfect hotel!! Amazing service, we enjoyed staying this hotel."

Reviewed on 2024/1/8

Halekulani Okinawa
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
4.5 out of 5
1108 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
The price is NT$4,690 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
NT$4,690
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Beautiful resort with wonderful staff
"This resort was GORGEOUS with spacious and modern rooms, and absolutely stunning views! The staff was so sweet and helpful (shout out to Micki Yoshida for being so lovely during out check in and out process). Be sure to sign up for the breakfast, it was great, and even labelled for allergies. The ..."

Reviewed on 2024/1/21

Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Sunset Hill
Hotel Sunset Hill
3.5 out of 5
1327-3 Nakadomari, Onna, Okinawa-ken
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Nakadomari Site and Moon Beach are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (135 reviews)
"Very nice, modern room with excellent views of the ocean. I liked the Japanese style eating/TV area, and the kitchen facilities. Wish we could have stayed longer. Note that the check in time is firm, no early check in."

Reviewed on 2024/2/19

Hotel Sunset Hill
Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki
Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki
3.5 out of 5
1860-4 Serakaki Onnason, Onna, Okinawa
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Onna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free beach shuttle. Popular attractions Nabee Beach and Manza Beach are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
"Limited dining options, otherwise everything was great"

Reviewed on 2023/12/12

Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Okinawa Seragaki
Aqua Palace Chatan by Coldio Premium
Aqua Palace Chatan by Coldio Premium
3 out of 5
Ihei 260-9, Chatan, Okinawa
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Chatan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions American Village and Kadena Air Base are located nearby. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (66 reviews)
"Everything was wonderful. The rooms are super clean and the communication for any mishaps are quickly resolved. The beds are a tiny bit hard but that’s just my personal preference. Otherwise, it has been a great stay"

Reviewed on 2023/4/28

Aqua Palace Chatan by Coldio Premium
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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